New Authors Short Story One

The New Authors novella and short-story scheme was first announced in September 1960. Bearing in mind that not every new writer of promise necessarily writes for the minimum requirements of a novel, it was decided to publish occasionally a volume of short stories or novellas by four new writers, each represented by not more than 25,000 words and not less than 15,000 words. The same terms and conditions apply as for full-length books published by New Authors Ltd. We believe that out of the great number of manuscripts submitted for New Authors Short Story One we have selected four writers of outstanding quality and promise. Diana Athill has already made a name for herself in this country, in particular as the winner of the 1958 Observer short-story competition (the prize-winning story is included in this collection). The other three writers—Maurice Duggan, Maurice Gee and C.K. Stead—are all New Zealanders, though Maurice Gee is at present teaching in London. All are well known in New Zealand; we are proud indeed to be able to introduce three such remarkable men to a wider public.